Meeting Tuesday, the Redevelopment Commission accepted the $45,506 quote of
R.V. Sutton for work that includes upsizing and replacing a culvert under
Ackerman Drive. Grimmer Construction’s proposal was $56,101.

Also accepted by unanimous vote was the $4,000 not-to-exceed quote of Haas &
Associates for construction management during the project.

The Hawthorne work is part of a larger drainage project planned along
Waverly Road near the south side of the Amtrak line where ponding occurs.
Officials want to get the park culvert installed prior to future
construction of the Orchard Pedway hike/bike trail from Woodlawn Avenue to
the Orchard Apartments that will loop through Hawthorne.

The Porter Park Board has discussed developing a new master plan for
Hawthorne once the culvert work is completed.

RDC president Elka Nelson said the commission and Park Board still are
finalizing an agreement for Park Department employees to maintain current
and future RDC-funded trails. Payment of $20,000 to $25,000 a year to the
Park Department has been discussed; Nelson said even though both boards
represent one town, a written agreement and estimated budget is needed for
payouts.

In other business, RDC member Greg Stinson commended absent member Al Raffin,
who’s chosen not to seek reappointment, for his years of service to the
commission. “All of us owe him a big thank-you for all he’s done.”

The Town Council also met Tuesday. Zathoe Sexton of the Bud’s Buddies
friends of the parks group reported the inaugural Porter Lights of Love
holiday promotion proved successful. Ninety-five lights were purchased in
memory of loved ones and 51 lights in celebration of others; the lights
decorate two trees at Hawthorne Park.

More than 100 people attended the recent tree lighting followed by
refreshments. Sexton thanked Porter department heads and local organizations
for their assistance. Said Stinson, council president, “Hopefully, (Lights
of Love) is a tradition that will continue and only grow.”

During department reports Porter assistant fire chief Jay Craig said
firefighters responded to 40 calls in both October (28 calls in Porter) and
November (30 in Porter). Both months Porter received mutual aid from other
departments three times, and supplied it 11 times in October and six times
last month.

Public Works superintendent Brenda Brueckheimer said leaf collection has
been suspended for the winter, but residents may call her office to arrange
for pick-up of bagged leaves. Brueckheimer also recently was certified in
sediment and erosion control.

Nelson congratulated fellow council member David Wodrich on the opening of
his new Lemon Tree Mediterranean Grill that serves lunch and dinner in
Chesterton. Wodrich also owns Third Coast Spice Cafe there.

Town officials wished everyone a Merry Christmas and happy holidays. The
next council meeting will take place Dec. 27 at 5 p.m.